Counter-balanced exercise systems and methods

ABSTRACT

Exercise systems and methods for counter-balancing the center of gravity and balance point in upright weightlifting exercises. The exercise systems include a unitary long bar, which extends in a plane, and which includes opposed ends. The exercise systems further include angled ends, extending from each of the opposed ends of the unitary long bar. Each angled end extends at an included angle offset relative to the plane of the unitary bar, and the unitary long bar is able to receive and retain weighted plates. The exercise systems are adapted for counter-balancing, in a rearward-facing direction, the tendency of the center of gravity and balance point to generate leaning into imbalance, in a forward-facing direction, in the upright weightlifting exercises.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/347,463, filed Nov. 9, 2016, which is related to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/254,043, filed Nov. 11, 2015.

COPYRIGHTABLE SUBJECT MATTER

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

This invention is generally related to exercise systems and methods, and more particularly, to counter-balancing exercise systems and methods.

2. General Background and State of the Art

Weight raining involves the manipulation of the number of repetitions, sets, tempo, exercise types, and weight which is moved to cause desired increases in strength, endurance, and size. The combinations of reps, sets, exercises, and weights relates to the aims of performing the In addition to the basic principles of strength training, a further consideration added by weight training is the equipment used. Types of equipment include barbells, dumbbells, pulleys and stacks in the form of weight machines. Different types of weights will give different types of resistance, and often the same absolute weight can have different relative weights depending on the type of equipment used.

Weight training also requires the use of ‘good form’ or mechanics, performing the movements with the appropriate muscle group, and not transferring the weight to different body parts in order to move greater weight. Failure to use good form during a training set can result in injury or a failure to meet training goals; since the desired muscle group is not challenged sufficiently, the threshold of overload is never reached and the muscle does not gain in strength. At an advanced level, less strict form may be used to break through strength plateaus and encourage neurological and muscular adaptation, although at the greater risk of injury.

Cross Fit is a strength and conditioning program consisting mainly of a mix of aerobic exercise, calisthenics, and Olympic weight lifting. The strength and conditioning program involve constantly varied functional movements executed at high intensity across broad time and modal domains with the stated goal of improving fitness, comprising work capacity across broad time and modal domains. Classes at affiliated gyms typically include a warm-up, a skill development segment, a high-intensity workout of the day, and a period of stretching. Some gyms also often have strength-focused movements prior to the workout of the day. Some gyms offer additional classes, such as Olympic weightlifting, which are not centered on the workout of the day.

Cross Fit gyms use equipment from multiple disciplines, including barbells, dumbbells, gymnastics rings, pull-up bars, jump ropes, kettle bells, medicine balls, plyometric boxes, resistance bands, rowers, and various mats. Cross Fit is focused on constantly varied, high-intensity, functional movement, drawing on categories and exercises such as calisthenics, Olympic-style weightlifting, powerlifting, Strongman-type events, competitive performance, plyometrics, body weight exercises, indoor rowing, aerobic exercise, running, and swimming.

Cross Fit is utilized as a deliberate attempt to optimize physical competence in recognized fitness domains, which are cardiovascular and respirator endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance, and accuracy.

Exercises performed in weightlifting and Cross fit training and competitive performance include an overhead lift and squat. In performing such exercise, the use of standard straight Olympic bars impedes the use of good form in the manipulation of the balance point and center of gravity, preventing persons such as athletes from performing the exercise properly because of inexperience when learning to perform the movements, a lack of flexibility, or an injury. As used herein, the term “athlete” refers to any person who is able to use the systems and methods referred to herein.

Therefore, there has been identified a continuing need to provide systems and methods for enabling exercises and movements to be performed more effectively and safely, to improve physical fitness and competitive performance, and to expedite injury recovery.

Invention Summary

Briefly, and in general terms, in accordance with aspects of the invention, and in a preferred embodiment, by way of example, there are provided exercise systems and methods for counter-balancing the center of gravity and balance point in upright weightlifting exercises, so as to counter a tendency to lean into imbalance in upright weightlifting exercises.

Further in accordance with aspects of the invention, the systems and methods are adapted for counter-balancing, in a rearward-facing direction, the tendency of the center of gravity and balance point to generate leaning into imbalance, in a forward-facing direction, in upright weightlifting exercises.

In accordance with other aspects of the invention, the systems and methods enable an exerciser to perform these exercises and movements in good form more effectively and safely, so as to improve physical fitness, to improve competitive performance, to prevent injury, and to expedite injury recovery.

These and other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, which illustrate by way of example the features of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of an exercise system and method of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of an exercise system and method of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective partly fragmentary view of a section of the exercise system and method in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view of the head and upper body of a person holding the exercise system and method in a position for exercising with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of an embodiment of the exercise system and method of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of another embodiment of the exercise system and method of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1-6, in which like reference numerals refer to corresponding components, there are shown and described exercise systems and methods for counter-balancing the center of gravity and balance point in upright weightlifting exercises, so as to counter a tendency to lean into imbalance in upright weightlifting exercises.

The exercise systems and methods include a unitary long bar 10, which extends in a plane, and which includes opposed ends 12. The unitary long bar 10 further includes angled ends 14, extending from each of the opposed ends 12 of the unitary long bar 10, each angled end 14 extending at an included angle offset relative to the plane of the unitary long bar 10, and adapted to receive and retain weighted plates.

The unitary long bar 10 is unitary, in that it does not include any separable parts, for integrity and security. Separable parts would subject exercisers to the danger of separation of the separable parts, causing danger of injury in upright weightlifting exercises.

The thickness or gauge of the unitary long bar 10 may be changed to allow athletes of varying sizes to comfortably grasp the bar. The unitary long bar 10 may be in a range of weights, widths, diameters, and thicknesses for exercisers performing the exercises who are of varying size and ability. The material construction of the unitary long bar 10 may depend on the desired weight of the device, may be composed of metal, aluminum, or composite material capable of sustaining the impacts associated with normal use, and may be changed to allow for production cost changes or the ability to control the overall weight of the device.

The unitary long bar 10 includes angled ends 14, each of which extends from an opposed end 12 of the unitary long bar 10. The unitary long bar 10 and the angled ends 14 are further adapted for counter-balancing, in a rearward-facing direction, the tendency of the center of gravity and balance point to generate leaning into imbalance, in a forward-facing direction, in the upright weightlifting exercises.

The angled ends 14 are adapted to enable standard weights, also called bumper plates, to be connected thereto. Each of the angled ends extend at an included direct angle offset relative to the plane of the unitary long bar 10. The included angle of the angled ends 14 relative to the plane of the unitary long bar 10 is less than thirty-five degrees and more than twenty degrees, and preferably comprises a thirty degree angle.

The angled ends 14 enable the center of gravity to be changed for specific exercises, thus counter-balancing the athlete's natural tendency to lean into unfavorable and/or dangerous positions while performing the movements. The angled ends 14 may be of varying diameter and width, depending on the size of the weights and the need to increase or limit the counter balancing effect of the unitary long bar 10. The angled ends 14 are able to rotate with the unitary long bar 10 so as to enable the weights to move with the unitary long bar 10 as needed during the upright weightlifting exercises.

The unitary long bar 10 may also include knurled sections 16 which may be located on various areas of the inside portions of the unitary long bar 10, which enable the exerciser to grip the unitary long bar 10 more readily. The knurled sections 16 are located along the unitary long bar 10 including adjacent to the angled ends 14, for enhancing holding and gripping of the unitary long bar 10.

The angled ends 14 may be weighted dependent upon the overall counter balancing effect to be provided by a unitary long bar 10. The angle of the angled ends 14 may be changed to effect an increase or decrease in the counter balancing properties and the athlete's ability to counter balance depending on performance or desired usage.

The unitary long bar 10 further may include forearm elements 18 which prevent the unitary long bar 10 from spinning in the athlete's hands. The weight of the unitary long bar 10 keeps the forearm elements 18 against the forearm during the exercise. To assist in preventing torque on the athlete's grip, the forearm elements 18 may be attached to the unitary long bar 10 to prevent the unitary long bar 10 from spinning and rotating in view of the offset angle of the angled ends 14. The forearm elements 18 extend from the unitary long bar 10 generally at locations proximate to the ends of the unitary long bar 10. The forearm elements 18 may be set closer or farther away from the ends of the unitary long bar 10 to allow for athletes or varying size to comfortably perform movements.

The forearm elements 18 may be constructed with varying widths or shapes to allow for athletes or varying size to comfortably perform movements. The forearm elements 18 may include, for example, include rounded corners of bent steel or cut and welded right angle corners. The forearms elements 18 may alternatively extend the entire width of the unitary long bar 10, for allowing an advanced exerciser to grasp anywhere on the bar.

The forearm elements 18 may include pads 20 that cover the forearm elements 18. The pads 20 are adapted to protect the exerciser's arms from compression injury, and may be comprised of foam.

In a variation of the invention, as seen in FIG. 5, the forearm elements 18 have rounded corners and do not include the pads 20. FIG. 6 shows a further variation of the invention, wherein there is a single forearm element 18 which extends substantially the width of the unitary long bar 10 up to the angled ends 14, the forearm element 18 has rounded corners, and the forearm element 18 includes a pad 20 which substantially covers the forearm element 18.

In use, the exercise systems and methods aid in ameliorating sports related and other issues relating to parts of the body including, for example, the back, by counter balancing natural tendencies to lean into imbalance while performing movements. As such the use of the system may be directly related to improved hip flexibility and muscle strength. When a person or athlete performs sports and physical activity that engage the hips and back muscles, and the hips are weak or suffer from a lack of mobility, the load of the exercise may be undesirably focused on the muscles of the back. This may cause various medical issues, from muscle spasms to disc and spinal conditions. The exercise article may be used to improve a person's or athlete's performance in movements that target overcoming these deficiencies, and thus may improve strength and prevent injury, by enabling an athlete to perform these exercises and movements in good form more effectively and safely, so as to improve physical fitness, competitive performance, and to expedite injury recovery.

In operation, for example, with the unitary long bar 10 initially resting on the floor, the forearm elements 16 are down and the angled ends 14 are angled back towards the exerciser. The person or athlete may begin with no weights, practicing lifting the bar 10 to the ready position, getting used to performance with the different balance point, as well as lowering the bar safely, either to a rack or to the floor, until the person or athlete is comfortable with the bar 10 before attempting to put weights on it.

The bar 10 may then be lightly loaded with weights at various positions. The weights are equal on each side and in matching positions along the angled ends 14 to maintain balance. The bar 10 is grasped from the top, with the grip being wide enough to be inside a box formed by the forearm elements 16 when the bar 10 is raised and rotated.

The bar 10 is lifted with proper straight back dead lift form, until the athlete is standing erect with arms hanging. The bar 10 will generally be resting across the athlete's thighs and hips, with the angled ends 14 rotated to a downward angle, and as such the forearm elements 16 would be protruding forward away from the athlete. The athlete may start using the bar 10 until proficiency and the level of comfort is reached, with raising and lowering the bar 10, as well as performing the exercise and getting comfortable with the balance point and its differentiation from an exercise bar.

The knees are bent and the athlete performs the next step in a bar 10 cleaning motion, allowing the bar to rotate in the hands turning up so that the momentum of the angled ends 14 spin the bar 10 until the forearm elements 18 land against the rear of the forearms at the top. The momentum of the angled ends 18 is very strong during this motion, such that care to avoid injury needs to be utilized by the athlete so as not to over-rotate the bar 10 when getting to the chin position. The bar 10 will be below the chin, with the angled ends 14 protruding towards the rear of the athlete. If the bar 10 is loaded with heavy weights, the bar 10 should be used with a rack for safety.

The athlete's feet are positioned to form a stable wide base, the knees slightly bent, and the bar 10 is rapidly lifted to the top position by vertical extension of the arms, with the athlete being ready for the counter weighting effect of the bar 10 pulling the arms backwards, and changing the center of gravity from that of an exercise bar. The arms are then locked out, and proper overhead squats are performed, preferably starting with a light bar 10 and moving slowly until the athlete is comfortable with the balance point.

At the end of repetitions, the bar 10 is lowered to the front chin resting position. The bar 10 is carefully rotated forward in the arms, allowing the bar 10 to fall to the thighs. The momentum of the angled ends 14 is very strong during this motion. The bar 10 is then lowered with proper dead lift form and placed on the ground.

In an alternative operation, for example, with the bar 10 initially positioned on a rack, the bar 10 may have no additional weights or may have weights on it on the rack, as would be the case for an exercise bar. The ends 14 are protruding towards the back of the athlete. The forearms elements 18 are resting on the rack supports holding the bar in the action position. The bar 10 may be loaded with weights as desired, with equal weights on each side and in matching positions along the angled ends 14.

The athlete would duck under the bar 10 and place the hands into position on the bar 10 inside the boxes formed by the forearm elements 18. With the hands in place, the bar 10 is placed on the trapezoid and slightly lifted off the racks. The athlete would carefully step back until the bar 10 clears the rack, and then stand in the standard squat top position.

The athlete's feet are positioned to form a stable wide base, the knees slightly bent, and the bar 10 is rapidly lifted to the top position, with the athlete being ready for the counter weighting effect of the bar 10 pulling the arms backwards, and changing the center of gravity from that of a an exercise bar. The arms are then locked out, and proper overhead squats are performed, preferably starting with a light bar 10 and moving slowly until the athlete is comfortable with the balance point.

At the end of repetitions, the bar 10 is either lowered to the rear and rested on the trapezoid or lowered to the front chin resting position.

If the bar 10 rests on the trapezoid, the athlete slowly walks back to the rack and hooks the bar 10 back onto the rack. The use of a spotter may be preferable.

The athlete's body is lowered and the bar 10 is released, with the athlete stepping forward or ducking backwards under and away from the bar 10.

If the bar rests under the chin, the bar 10 is carefully rotated forward in the arms, allowing the bar 10 to fall to the thighs. The momentum of the angled ends 14 are very strong during this motion. The bar 10 is then lowered with proper dead lift form and placed on the ground.

While the particular exercise system and methods as shown and disclosed in detail herein are fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages previously stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design shown herein. 

I claim:
 1. An exercise system for counter-balancing the center of gravity and balance point in upright weightlifting exercises, so as to counter a tendency to lean into imbalance in upright weightlifting exercises, comprising a unitary long bar, which extends in a plane, and which includes opposed ends; and angled ends, extending from each of the opposed ends of the unitary long bar, each angled end extending at an included angle offset relative to the plane of the unitary long bar, and adapted to receive and retain weighted plates.
 2. An exercise system as in 1, wherein the unitary bar and angled ends are adapted for counter-balancing, in a rearward-facing direction, the tendency of the center of gravity and balance point to generate leaning into imbalance, in a forward-facing direction, in the upright weightlifting exercises.
 3. An exercise system as in claim 1, wherein the unitary long bar further includes forearm elements, attachable on the unitary long bar adjacent to the angled ends, to enable retaining of the forearms against the forearm elements in upright weightlifting exercises.
 4. An exercise system as in claim 1, wherein the unitary long bar further includes knurled sections located adjacent to the angled ends for enhancing holding and gripping of the unitary long bar.
 5. An exercise system as in claim 1, wherein the included angle of the angled ends offset relative to the plane of the unitary long bar comprises a thirty degree angle.
 6. An exercise system as in claim 1, wherein the upright weightlifting exercises include overhead lifts.
 7. An exercise system as in claim 1, wherein the upright weightlifting exercises include squats.
 8. An exercise system as in claim 3, wherein the forearm elements include right angle corners.
 9. An exercise system as in claim 3, wherein the forearm elements include rounded corners.
 10. An exercise system as in claim 3, wherein the forearm elements include pads, for covering the forearm elements.
 11. An exercise system as in claim 10, wherein the pads are comprised of foam.
 12. A method for counter-balancing the center of gravity and balance point in upright weightlifting exercises, so as to counter a tendency to lean into imbalance in upright weightlifting exercises, in an exercise system which comprises a unitary long bar, which extends in a plane, and which includes opposed ends, and angled ends, extending from each of the opposed ends of the unitary long bar, each angled end extending at an included angle relative to the plane of the unitary long bar, and adapted to receive and retain weighted plates, wherein the method comprises: enabling the counter-balancing of the center of gravity and balance point in upright weightlifting exercises, so as to counter a tendency to lean into imbalance in upright weightlifting exercises.
 13. A method as in claim 12, wherein the unitary bar and angled ends in the exercise system are further adapted for counter-balancing, in a rear-facing direction, the tendency of the center of gravity and balance point to generate leaning into imbalance, in a front-facing direction, in the upright weightlifting exercises, and wherein the method further comprises counter-balancing, in a rear-facing direction, the tendency of the center of gravity and balance point to generate leaning into imbalance, in a front-facing direction, in the upright weightlifting exercises.
 14. A method as in claim 12, wherein the unitary long bar in the exercise system further includes forearm elements, attachable on the unitary long bar adjacent to the angled ends, to enable retaining the forearms against the forearm elements in upright weightlifting exercises, and wherein the method further includes enabling retaining of the forearms against the forearm elements for enabling retaining of the unitary long bar in upright weightlifting exercises.
 15. A method as in claim 12, wherein the unitary long bar in the exercise system further includes knurled sections adjacent to the angled ends for enabling holding and gripping of the unitary long bar, and wherein the method further includes enabling holding and gripping of the unitary long bar at the knurled sections.
 16. A method as in claim 12, wherein the upright weightlifting exercises in the exercise system include overhead lifts, and wherein the method includes enabling counter-balancing upright weightlifting exercises of overhead lifts.
 17. A method as in claim 12, wherein the upright weightlifting exercises in the exercise system include counter-balancing squats, and wherein the method includes enabling counter-balancing upright weightlifting exercises of squats. 